The Best Small Business Resources: Marketing Tools

July 6, 2016

In this series about the best small business resources, we will share how the great tools of today make it easier to grow your business and stay productive, organized and efficient. Check out this list of 7 marketing tools for small businesses.

The Most Reputable Marketing Tools

Buffer

What it does: Buffer for Business is a social sharing app that helps your company manage multiple social media accounts and get detailed analytics on what’s working and what needs to improve. For example, if your company has a Twitter account, a Facebook page, and a LinkedIn account, you can use Buffer to post updates to all of these accounts simultaneously, or schedule social media posts at optimal times throughout the day or month.

Cost: Buffer’s fees start at $99 per month for small businesses with up to 25 connected accounts.

Content Launch

What it does: Content Launch gives your business a comprehensive platform for content marketing. It makes it easier to handle every aspect of content marketing, from content strategy to content creation to promoting your content to bigger audiences and measuring the results.

Cost: Content Launch offers several plans starting at $300 per month.

Google AdWords

What it does: Google AdWords is the biggest and most simplistic online platform for search engine advertising. You can start by using Google’s free keyword research tools and analytics to target specific search keywords related to your business. Then, once you know what your customers are searching for, you can buy ads. Google AdWords is so powerful because it puts your message in front of prospective customers right at the moment that they researching your product and getting ready to buy.

Cost: It’s up to you! You can start with a Google Ads budget of as little as $10 to $50 per day, and you can set limits on how much you get charged. For example, you only have to pay for an ad when someone clicks the link to your site or calls your business.

Manta

What it does: Manta is a free online directory of small businesses. Use this site to list your business’ name, location, and contact details to make it easier for customers and prospects to nd your business online. Manta also helps you collect statistics on who is visiting your pro le and make connections with other businesses for possible partnerships, cross-promotions, or vendor relationships.

Cost: Free!

Scripted

What it does: Content marketing is one of the fastest-growing methods for small businesses to attract new customers to their sites. Luckily, you don’t have to create all of that content by yourself! Scripted is a content creation service where you can quickly hire professional writers to create website pages, blog articles, white papers, and many other deliverables for reasonable prices with 5-day turnaround times.

Cost: Price varies on the size and scope of the project. For example, a basic blog post (350-450 words) starts at $99.

Sprout Social

What it does: Sprout Social is powerful social media software that gives you the ability to schedule, publish, and monitor social media posts while also managing customer feedback and customer relationships. You can use Sprout Social to engage with customer comments and messages more efficiently, and get analytics and reports on your social media presence and social media marketing results.

Cost: Sprout Social fees start at $59 per user per month.

SumAll

What it does: SumAll is a one-stop social media analytics dashboard that shows your business how your social media presence and eCommerce sales are performing. SumAll includes comprehensive monitoring tools and in-depth reports to help your business perform better and grow faster.

Cost: A basic account is free account and a premium account is $99 per month. The premium account includes bonus features and your very own SumAll expert.

Even though we have come a long way since the pre-Internet era, some things related to running a small business have not changed. Making the most of your marketing tools to boost brand awareness and, ultimately, increase your customer base are key to ensuring your business continues to remain efficient and profitable.

We have shared 7 marketing tools to make it quicker and easier for you to accomplish all of your small business objectives. If you are looking for even more resources for your small business, check out this BIG list of small business resources we created and watch your small business thrive.

Kabbage is here not only to provide access to the small business funding you need, but to also help you grow your business through free marketing tips, webinars, tools and more. Is there something you'd like us to cover or want to get your small business featured on our blog? Send us a note at content@kabbage.com.